Star 2023-12-21

It is difficult – nay, impossible – to imagine that the Willy Wonka of the prequel Wonka, a simperingly sweet musical origin story starring Timothée Chalamet as the aspiring chocolatier made famous by writer Roald Dahl, ever matures into the adult version of the character we saw in 2005’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, starring Johnny Depp, or 1971’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder. There was a weirdness, even a slightly sinister creepiness, to the characters played by Depp and Wilder (also apparent in Dahl’s 1964 book) that is wholly, utterly lacking in this cloying version from film-maker Paul King. Even King’s Paddington and Paddington 2, two delightful live-action comedies inspired by the children's book series about the misadventures of a talking British teddy bear in…

Tributes from fans and industry peers have been pouring in on social media for celebrity chef, cookbook author, and television personality Fatima Sydow. The popular chef, known for her vivacious personality and commitment to preserving and sharing the Cape Malay heritage, died on Tuesday at Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town, after battling soft tissue sarcoma since 2020. “It is with deep sadness that we, the Sydow Family, announce the passing of our beloved sister, Fatima Sydow. As a renowned culinary artist and beloved personality, she has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. “Inspired by her mother’s ability to perform culinary miracles with few ingredients, creating dishes that generously fed many hungry stomachs, Fatima found the spark that would ignite her own culinary journey. “As we bid farewell…

Multi-award-winning artist Toya Delazy (real name Latoya Buthelezi) has revealed that she will be writing a book about her life titled What Happened to Toya Delazy? This comes after the loss of fellow musician Bulelwa “Zahara” Mkutukana, who died on December 11, due to liver complications. Taking to social media, Delazy said, “I decided it’s time for me to write my book – after the tragic loss of sis Zahara, I saw the type of music deal she was signed to and I realised that it was like mine”. Delazy said she mentioned this and it brought on a huge discussion on X, with some people saying her late grandfather is rich so she must be fine. She said this made her realise that no one knows her story or…

Dubai Bling (S2) Netflix Season two of Dubai Bling has arrived. The reality show showcases the city’s wealthiest celebrities including personalities like Kris Fade, DJ Bliss, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Zeina Khoury, Lojain Omran, Safa Siddiqui, Farhana Bodi and Loujain Adada. From fights to friendships, weddings to fashion shows, fans of the show can get their popcorn ready for a drama-filled binge session. Million Dollar Listing New York (S9) E! Entertainment, DStv channel 124 at 9pm Fredrik is assigned a live-in sale situation for a $15 million luxury penthouse. Inspired by his friend in the Berkshires, Dorinda Medley, Steve stages a splashy open house at his upstate farm and invites an unimpressed KJ to take a walk in the mud. Accused (S1) M-Net, DStv channel 101 at 8pm An anthology of…

The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has been accused of failing to develop and pay artists, art adjudicators and artists’ organisations for their work. This comes after scores of affected artists face a blue festive season because they are yet to be paid or have their projects funded by the provincial department following an aid and grant funding request in February this year. Sources close to the situation said the payment delays – communicated in close circles – involve ordinary artists and some of the country’s leading personalities, who want to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the matter. Scores of artists and service providers who were contracted to the department have not been paid. According to Showbiz Scope, board members of the Gauteng Arts and…

post-mortem findings read out in court have revealed that Sandton teacher Kirsten Kluyts’s death was caused by blunt force head trauma, strangling, smothering and pressure to the neck. According to the State, it took about eight minutes to inflict those injuries and end her life. This was revealed yesterday in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court where 21-year-old Bafana Mahungela, who has been accused of premeditated murder, was applying for bail. The State and the defence spent the day arguing on Mahungela’s bail eligibility. Kluyts, 34, a teacher at Delta Park High, was found murdered at the George Lea Recreational Park in Parkmore, Sandton, on October 29. She had participated in an athletic event on the day of her murder, and failed to finish the walk. She was 14 weeks pregnant…